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Master Spas Hot Tub Chemical Guide

photo of chemical guide from Master Spa Parts

There are many chemicals that your spa requires to operate smoothly and stay clean and clear. Take a look at our list of spa chemicals below, what each does, and how to use each in your hot tub. If you have any questions, please call our customer service team at (855) 308- 2149 and we will walk you through how to use each product.

Chemical What it Does How to Use it
Test Strips

Checks for recommended level of chemicals

  • 1. Dip a strip into water and remove immediately
  • 2. Hold strip level for 15 seconds (do not shake water from strip)
  • 3. Compare pads to color chart
Cal Rise

Raises calcium hardness

  • 1. Test hot tub water for total hardness
  • 2. Dilute SpaBoss cal-Rise (1 oz is about 1 capful) in a bucket of water before adding to spa water
if the total hardness reading is: And this much Cal-Rise per 250 gallons of spa water:
0-20 ppm 9 ounces
40 ppm 7 ounces
80 ppm 6 ounces
120 ppm 4 ounces
160 ppm 3 ounces
180 ppm 2 ounces
200-300 ppm Ideal Conditions
Alka-Rise Raises total alkalinity
  • 1. Test your hot tub water with test strips regularly for total alkalinity.
  • 2. Add SpaBoss Alka Rise by the capful.
If the total level is: Add this much Alka-Rise per 250 gallons of spa water
120-150 NONE
85 1 ounce
70 2 ounces
55 2 ounces
40 5 ounces
35 7 ounces
pH + Raises pH; helps prevent eye and skin irritation
  • 1. Test hot tub water daily for chemical levels including pH.
  • 2. Add 1 oz of SpaBoss pH Plus per 250 gallons of water if levels are below 7.2.
  • 3. Test again after 1 hour of circulation and repeat if necessary.
pH - Lowers pH and total alkalinity
  • 1. Add pH Minus 1 oz at a time for every 250 gallons if pH level is between 7.8-8.0.
  • 2. If the level is higher than that at 2.0 per 250 gallons.
  • 3. Test after 1 hour and add more pH Minus as needed.
  • 4. Test the hot tub water regularly to keep levels in a healthy range.
Chlor-Aid Chlorine sanitizing agent
  • 1. For Master Spas with eco pur filtration use a capful per 500 gallons once a week.
  • 2. For other hot tubs and Master Spas not using the eco pur filtration, you will need to maintain 3 to 5 ppm chlorine level.
Spa Shock Oxidizes organic contaminants
  • 1. Add a capful (1 oz) per 500 gallons after each use.
  • 2. Shock the water every week even when not using the hot tub regularly.
Defoamer Defoamer temporarily removes foam
  • 1.Circulate the water by turning on the filtration system.
  • 2. Squirt small amount of SpaBoss Defoamer on foaming area.
  • 3. Use only when needed to get rid of excess foam.
Spa Clear Helps combine small particles for clear water
  • 1. With a full hot tub, turn on the filter system.
  • 2. Add ½ oz per 250 gallons of water.
  • 3. Filter the water for at least 2 hours.
  • 4. Add ½ oz per 250 gallons once a week for ongoing maintenance.
Descummer Enzyme that helps break down oils
  • 1. Add 2 ounces per 250 gallons of SpaBoss Descummer once a week or twice a week for frequent use.
Prevent II Sequestering agent that prevents staining and scale formation
  • 1. Add SpaBoss Prevent II when your hot tub is filled: 4 oz per 500 gallons.
  • 2. Add disinfectant after 1 hour of running the circulation system.
  • 3. Add SpaBoss Prevent II once a week: 2 oz per 500 gallons.
Filter Free Filter cleaner and performance improver with pH indicator
  • 1. Always dissolve Filter Free in plastic bucket containing lukewarm water before soaking filter cartridge.
  • 2. For deep cleaning, use 1 lb. Filter Free to 5 gallons of lukewarm water.
  • 3. For regular maintenance, use ½ lb. of Filter Free.
  • 4. Stir in Filter Free until it is dissolved and the water color is Red.
  • 5. After product is dissolved, remove filter cartridges from hot tub and soak in the bucket overnight.
  • 6. Rinse thoroughly after soaking and replace into hot tub.
  • 7. If the filter cartridge cannot be removed from the hot tub, turn off filtration system and drain water frim filter.
  • 8. Add SpaBoss Filter Free solution directly into filter tank. Use a sufficient amount of the solution to cover the cartridge.
  • 9. Leave overnight and drain, then make sure to backwash thoroughly to rinse the filter cartridge.
ProLine Dual Action Cartridge Cleaner Concentrated cleaning solution designed specifically for
removal of oils, grease, soaps, minerals, and scale restoring filter to original condition.
  • 1. Shut the hot tub down and remove the filter cartridge.
  • 2. For instant use:
    • Rinse filter cartridge thoroughly to remove any loose matter or debris.
    • While the filter is wet, spray Proline Dual Action Filter Cleaner on filter and let set for 3-5 minutes.
    • Rinse the filter cartridge thoroughly and reinstall into hot tub.

*Note: It is recommended that you soak the filter cartridge in a solution of Proline Dual Action Filter Cleaner for 8-12 hours every 3-4 months.

  • 1. Directions for deep cleaning
    • Remove filter cartridge from the hot tub
    • In a bucket mix 1 part Proline Dual Action Filter Cleaner to 10 parts water ( 1 qt. to 2.5 gallons)
    • Soak the filter for 8-12 hours
    • Rinse thoroughly and reinstall into hot tub.
ProLine Jet Line Cleaner Clears spas and jetted bath tub plumbing of organics, oils, dirt, minerals, and biofilm.
  • 1. Remove the filter cartridge and clean separately with Proline Dual Action Filter Cleaner
  • 2. Before the spa is drained, add entire bottle of Proline Jet Line Cleaner to the spas warm water through the skimmer.
  • 3. Turn the pump ON and run the jets for 15 minutes. (Ensure that the filter is not in the spa).
  • 4. Turn the power off to the hot tub and let sit for 1 hour
  • 5. Turn power ON, and run all jet pumps for 15 minutes.
  • 6. Drain the spa, hosing off the entire inside spa walls while draining. When empty rinse 1 more time and remove all excess water.
  • 7. Refill the spa according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

*Note: Some residual foaming may occur, if so, use an anti-foaming agent to suppress the foam.